As the days grow shorter and colder in Toronto, it's a perfect time to discuss an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in our overall health—Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, crucial for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles and is also important in fertility! It also supports immune function, mood regulation, and may even play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Bone Health: Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Immune Support: Adequate levels can enhance the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections.
Mood Regulation: Some studies suggest that Vitamin D can help combat depression and improve overall mood.
Chronic Disease Prevention: Research indicates that maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels may lower the risk of certain chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
Sources of Vitamin D
Sunlight: The body produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. We need it to be midday sun exposure to skin without sunscreen, but the amount we absorb dependd on skin type and location.
Diet: Include Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, such as:
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
Fortified foods (milk & cereals)
Egg yolks
Cheese
Supplements: Supplements are important if sunlight exposure and dietary sources are insufficient - which unfortunately in Canada is most of us.
Regular Testing: If you suspect low levels, or are curious about your Vitamin D levels please reach out to me and we can do a blood test to check your Vitamin D status. Unfortunately OHIP will only cover Vitamin D testing if you've got osteoporosis, osteopenia, kidney disease, known malabsorption issue, or are on a drug that ihibits absorption of Vitamin D.
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